Just 'bout one of the greatest bands ever!
MUTEMATH - Spotlight
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Gracious Transfer of Power
Nowhere have I seen such a cordial exchange, of this type, as I did this morning. The transference of political power in these United States is laudable at the very least.
What we saw today is an example of utmost grace and civility.
President George and Laura Bush demonstrated such a gracious demeanor toward and with the new presidential family that I had to pause. The Bushes and the Obamas have obviously developed a cordial, even friendly relationship. I'm certain that much discussion occurred between them prior today.
Without question, political differences exist. However, those differences begin to melt when dealing with the issues this country faces. I'm certain that George and Barack discussed some serious issues - enlightening Barack to what really happens at the highest levels.
Both President Obama and the new first lady appeared to have developed a fondness for the outgoing first family...and that fondness was openly reciprocated. What a striking example!
Nowhere but in America.
We're not perfect - not by a long shot...and there is much to be done to preserve our safety and our economy. But if these two families are any example of working together for the greater good we should be honest with ourselves and realize that it is possible to politely disagree with someone on one issue or level yet still love and respect them - and work with them toward the betterment of all. After all, if we were all the same or had exactly the same views this would be one boring place to be.
That does not mean that we need to find common ground with everyone. There are those who would openly advocate our destruction. To those I would say, "be afraid, be very afraid." We may have disagreements amongst ourselves but we are family. Families stick together against ne'er-do-well outsiders and those bent on our demise.
Now is the time to demonstrate that unity.
What we saw today is an example of utmost grace and civility.
President George and Laura Bush demonstrated such a gracious demeanor toward and with the new presidential family that I had to pause. The Bushes and the Obamas have obviously developed a cordial, even friendly relationship. I'm certain that much discussion occurred between them prior today.
Without question, political differences exist. However, those differences begin to melt when dealing with the issues this country faces. I'm certain that George and Barack discussed some serious issues - enlightening Barack to what really happens at the highest levels.
Both President Obama and the new first lady appeared to have developed a fondness for the outgoing first family...and that fondness was openly reciprocated. What a striking example!
Nowhere but in America.
We're not perfect - not by a long shot...and there is much to be done to preserve our safety and our economy. But if these two families are any example of working together for the greater good we should be honest with ourselves and realize that it is possible to politely disagree with someone on one issue or level yet still love and respect them - and work with them toward the betterment of all. After all, if we were all the same or had exactly the same views this would be one boring place to be.
That does not mean that we need to find common ground with everyone. There are those who would openly advocate our destruction. To those I would say, "be afraid, be very afraid." We may have disagreements amongst ourselves but we are family. Families stick together against ne'er-do-well outsiders and those bent on our demise.
Now is the time to demonstrate that unity.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Micro Christmas?
This is most imaginative. I ruminated upon the synchronicity required for this to work...it's tough to wrap one's head around. Enjoy!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
ETC 558...almost done and reflecting on it all
It's been a long semester - as they often are.
I've reflected upon my ETC 558 Class with the following little website. If you're clever, you'll find links to two of my major projects.
Here's the link:
Reflections
I've reflected upon my ETC 558 Class with the following little website. If you're clever, you'll find links to two of my major projects.
Here's the link:
Reflections
Monday, November 3, 2008
ETC 558...I can see clearly now...
"Lots and lots of multi-tasking." That's how I would answer if someone asked be about ETC 558.
Although I created this blog long before I enrolled in the class, the name has never been more appropriate than this semester. I don't usually take classes during the school year since I'm afraid that, with my other responsibilities, I might not do it justice. I still feel that way.
I'm doing relatively well in the class but there are things I would like to have done better. Sometimes the time crunch dictates the level of work rather than the desire to produce a quality product. Of course, I realize these pressures exist in the "real world" as well. Producing a concert with middle school band and orchestra results in many compromises.
The readings have been very informative, although at times a little too idealistic. I am glad to have finished the "In Search Of" text. This week will be filled with grading the WebQuest responses and preparing the WebQuest report - along with the group work.
Speaking of which, my group has been great. Everyone has been conscientious about pulling his or her weight and our products, I believe, have been pretty good. Not only is this a good way to learn, it is a very "real world" experience.
This past week and weekend was a bit rough for both Cathy and I. Friday was our late son's 20th birthday. We were both blue all week. It seems that though it's been over two years the feelings are still fresh. I owe the boy a lot for helping me get started and staying focused in the early days of this master's project. I will probably dedicate my degree to his memory since, when I get discouraged, I remember that he would want me to persevere.
Anyway, I still think the constructivist approach works well and am glad that we are able to learn in that manner for our Ed Tech classes. I'm glad to discover that our new superintendent in TUSD shares that vision - despite having to jump through the "nickleby" hoops. Perhaps with our efforts in the classroom and her moxie we may get some needed changes done at the upper levels.
Ah, we can dream!
Although I created this blog long before I enrolled in the class, the name has never been more appropriate than this semester. I don't usually take classes during the school year since I'm afraid that, with my other responsibilities, I might not do it justice. I still feel that way.
I'm doing relatively well in the class but there are things I would like to have done better. Sometimes the time crunch dictates the level of work rather than the desire to produce a quality product. Of course, I realize these pressures exist in the "real world" as well. Producing a concert with middle school band and orchestra results in many compromises.
The readings have been very informative, although at times a little too idealistic. I am glad to have finished the "In Search Of" text. This week will be filled with grading the WebQuest responses and preparing the WebQuest report - along with the group work.
Speaking of which, my group has been great. Everyone has been conscientious about pulling his or her weight and our products, I believe, have been pretty good. Not only is this a good way to learn, it is a very "real world" experience.
This past week and weekend was a bit rough for both Cathy and I. Friday was our late son's 20th birthday. We were both blue all week. It seems that though it's been over two years the feelings are still fresh. I owe the boy a lot for helping me get started and staying focused in the early days of this master's project. I will probably dedicate my degree to his memory since, when I get discouraged, I remember that he would want me to persevere.
Anyway, I still think the constructivist approach works well and am glad that we are able to learn in that manner for our Ed Tech classes. I'm glad to discover that our new superintendent in TUSD shares that vision - despite having to jump through the "nickleby" hoops. Perhaps with our efforts in the classroom and her moxie we may get some needed changes done at the upper levels.
Ah, we can dream!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
ETC 558...Movin' along
Workin' on the class...lotsa stuff to do, some of it quite interesting some less so. Many of the readings are quite noteworthy and well worth the time. Others are interesting but don't hold the attention as well. The case studies are great!
Working with the group is a kick. We all get along well, have good suggestions for each other, and are all willing carry their weight and then some. We have accomplished a great deal using both the Group posting area and "Eluminate." After a few hiccoughs at first we got microphone levels and settings set. It seems superior to just a typing chat. We do sometimes talk over each other but that is to be expected. Communication is at a high level...the work progresses well.
I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I alway s stress quite a bit since I was never much of a student through high school and my early college days. Never quite had the motivation and started my kindergarten career on a bad note. Made me passive-aggressive with regard to school. When I returned to college at 37 to finish my music ed degree I was better motivated and was treated well by (most of) my professors. They treated me more like a grad student than an undergrad. I had a great advisor as well.
My classes in the NAU ed tech program have been great...a lot of work but that's how you learn. The "hands-on" constructivist approach is what I had needed all through my early school days. And all along I thought I was the one who was different. Well, OK, I am -- but I found out I was not alone.
OK, I'm ramblin' now...time to go.
Working with the group is a kick. We all get along well, have good suggestions for each other, and are all willing carry their weight and then some. We have accomplished a great deal using both the Group posting area and "Eluminate." After a few hiccoughs at first we got microphone levels and settings set. It seems superior to just a typing chat. We do sometimes talk over each other but that is to be expected. Communication is at a high level...the work progresses well.
I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I alway s stress quite a bit since I was never much of a student through high school and my early college days. Never quite had the motivation and started my kindergarten career on a bad note. Made me passive-aggressive with regard to school. When I returned to college at 37 to finish my music ed degree I was better motivated and was treated well by (most of) my professors. They treated me more like a grad student than an undergrad. I had a great advisor as well.
My classes in the NAU ed tech program have been great...a lot of work but that's how you learn. The "hands-on" constructivist approach is what I had needed all through my early school days. And all along I thought I was the one who was different. Well, OK, I am -- but I found out I was not alone.
OK, I'm ramblin' now...time to go.
Friday, October 3, 2008
ETC 558...continued - again
Well, as i mentioned a bit ago, I submitted my "Scholarly Paper" to two hard found sites. As of that point, neither had responded. It was a bit of a disappointment at first - not knowing what to expect from such a process.
I'm happy to say that both sites accepted my paper for publication!
The first to pubish was Articlesbase.com: http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/technology-in-and-for-the-instrumental-music-classroom-578863.html
(I received this confirmation just two days following my submission.)
The second was EzineArticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1530154
(This second confirmation took about a week - as the publishers had stated would probably be the case.)
Having never published online in this manner before I found it difficult to find the site to which I submitted my article. I do, however, recommend doing posting online - if for no other reason than to know you are published online!
On a more personal note, my son, Ben, was home this week. We just took him to Phoenix today so he could head back to the big apple. (He is the standby for the lead in the upcoming opening of "Shrek, the Musical.") I can't get enough of this kid! (Ok, he's 26.) Of course, it's always tough to say goodby as we only get to see him once or twice a year. But, he's living his dream...acting on Broadway. (Most recently, he was in "Les Miserables" in the Broadhurst theater playing a number of roles, most notably, as the understudy for the role of "Javert," he "went on" at least 30 times! What a great experience...
Hopefully, we'll be able to visit him in N.Y. sometime in the next few months. As our only remaining son (we lost Tim two years ago) it's made our already close family even closer.
Enough for now...I find myself rambling.
I'm happy to say that both sites accepted my paper for publication!
The first to pubish was Articlesbase.com: http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/technology-in-and-for-the-instrumental-music-classroom-578863.html
(I received this confirmation just two days following my submission.)
The second was EzineArticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1530154
(This second confirmation took about a week - as the publishers had stated would probably be the case.)
Having never published online in this manner before I found it difficult to find the site to which I submitted my article. I do, however, recommend doing posting online - if for no other reason than to know you are published online!
On a more personal note, my son, Ben, was home this week. We just took him to Phoenix today so he could head back to the big apple. (He is the standby for the lead in the upcoming opening of "Shrek, the Musical.") I can't get enough of this kid! (Ok, he's 26.) Of course, it's always tough to say goodby as we only get to see him once or twice a year. But, he's living his dream...acting on Broadway. (Most recently, he was in "Les Miserables" in the Broadhurst theater playing a number of roles, most notably, as the understudy for the role of "Javert," he "went on" at least 30 times! What a great experience...
Hopefully, we'll be able to visit him in N.Y. sometime in the next few months. As our only remaining son (we lost Tim two years ago) it's made our already close family even closer.
Enough for now...I find myself rambling.
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